Group: History of Watchmen
- What does the group’s thesis/claim say they will try to prove about their topic?
The group’s thesis is clear when its presentation reflects on historical events within the graphic novel. It proves on the topic that violence is never the solution.
- In what ways was the group successful in proving their thesis/claim? Discuss at least two examples.
The group was successful in supporting their thesis by using examples such as the Vietnam War. Based on the fact that it was a true event, the author changed its outcome by twisting historic and real life events. They also talked about historic events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the Doomsday clock. Presenters mentioned the manner in which comic actually became an escape for readers during that time.
- What part(s) of the presentation were weakest and why?
The weakest sections of this presentation is that the group members failed to give a deep explanation in their statement that “violence is never the solution”. I expected to see the meaning of the statement and I could also advise them to indicate in in the thesis.
- What did you learn about the book that you hadn’t thought about before from the group’s presentation?
I learned various aspects by watching this group’s presentation. Clearly, this graphic novel was written to ensure that readers avoided real violence. Additionally, readers had to endure its publication time because they were in the middle of the Vietnam War. I also had learned that Moore used this novel to represent what he believed concerning the battle and its actions. Presenters portrayed it as an outlet to create a world where the author revealed about the war in his personal viewpoint.
- Please make any general comments about the group’s presentation.
The presentation was nice. They were very clear and concise; also straight to the point. They prepared plenty of materials hence; good work.
Bottom of Form
Group: Symbolism in Watchmen
- What does the group’s thesis/claim say they will prove about this topic?
This group began by explaining the meaning of symbolism in their presentation. In their thesis, they revealed how clocks and Rorschach’s Mask were symbols.
- In what ways was the group successful in proving their thesis/claim? Discuss at least two examples.
It mentions the way that Rorschach never directly shows facial expressions throughout the novel. Therefore, when his mask gets taken off, it signifies the personality that had been blocked behind the cloth. They talked about the Inkblot test. During the inkblot test, Rorschach goes back into the memories of his past. This group emphasized how the character didn’t want to become what you didn’t want to become, which was a monster. Rorschach felt this way, so he tried his best to stay true until the end, because he didn’t want to become a monster. Participants also reflects on the manner in which watches and clocks were symbols throughout the graphic novel. They talked about how we are so close to destroying our civilization, and gave reasons why the clocks are ticking.
- What part(s) of the presentation were weakest and why?
Sections of this group’s presentation that needed some work was that they didn’t give a specific example about why or how the clock was a major symbol in the graphic novel. The audience was left with a huge opinion-based idea on the symbolism of clocks throughout the novel. Although the Doomsday Clock was mentioned, it did not correlate with the information presented about the clock’s symbolism shown on the other slide.
- What did you learn about this book that you haven’t thought about before this group’s presentation?
I learned was that in 1986, the first comic book was created and the group mentioned how it shocked everyone. The reason is that almost each actor wants to become a hero similar to those presented in comic books. This information made me think about how the idea of super heroes seemed to be ordinary. The presentation further indicates changes in the previous days, when the idea was first presented to the public.
- Please make any general comments about the group’s presentation.
The presentation was logical, creative and great. In my opinion, the presenters truly gave their all, but they seemed to be nervous at some point.
Group: Monster Theory in Watchmen
- What does the group’s thesis/claim say they will try to prove about their topic?
Evaluating on the group’s presentation, their thesis prove the topic by showing how Alan Moore in his book attempts to explain the real life ideas. This is inclusive of beliefs by using a cartoon symbolism’s characters with some differences hence reflects on comedy in his world.
- In what ways was the group successful in proving their thesis/claim? Discuss at least two examples.
I noticed that this group proved its thesis in a successful manner by reflecting on actions of war. This is due to the bad situation after the World War II and the cold war. They also present their view in Doomsday Clock which depict an image of a clock face. This appears to tick to 12 with some blood gradually seeping onto the pages. Through this claim, it is apparent that the county is getting closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union.
- 3.What part of the presentation were weakest and why?
This group was weak in their presentation when they fail to maintain eye contact with the audience. Furthermore, they lacked proper arrangement in that when an individual finished the presentation they exited the stage without waiting for the rest of their members to finish.
- What did you learn about the book that you hadn’t thought about before from the group’s presentation?
The concepts that I learned in this book before presentation is based on the manner that it featured god-like figures who are depicted as monsters in entire article.
- Please make any general comments about the group’s presentation.
In general, the group was the first to present, they were nervous but they did a good job.